CLEVELAND -- The Browns and Redskins have requested permission to interview Vanderbilt coach James Franklin for their head coach vacancies, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

A rising star in the coaching circles, Franklin interviewed with the Texans before Penn State's Bill O'Brien took the job, according to the report.

He's also been mentioned in connection with the vacancies at Penn State and Texas.

The Browns are not confirming their requests or interviews.

Franklin, 41, furthered enhanced his status as one of the hottest coaches in the game with a 41-24 victory over Houston in the BBVA Compass Bowl Saturday. It was his fifth straight victory for a 9-4 mark, the Commodore's first back-to-back nine-win seasons.

After the game, Franklin spoke about the team's bright future, but left the interview room without answering when asked if he'd be back.

“We’ve got eight home games next year, which is going to be really important for us,'' Franklin said. "We’re going to be better next year because of the foundation these (seniors) have laid.

“Really, really excited about next year and what we’re building and the direction we’re going, and this is just the beginning.”

The Browns' interest in Franklin was first reported by CBS Sports' Jason LaCanfora, who also noted they like Auburn's Gus Malzahn, who will play in the BCS national championship game Monday night against Florida State.

While the Browns apparently plan to interview Franklin, they won't talk to Oklahoma's Bob Stoops. A source told cleveland.com that reports they'll huddle with him, including one on NFL Network, are false.

Franklin, known for his relentless work ethic and exuberance, has guided the Commodores to three straight bowl games and racked up more wins over a three-year span (24-15) than any Vanderbilt coach since College Football Hall of Famer Dan McGugin.

In the last 20 games, Franklin is 16-4, a mark surpassed in the SEC only by Alabama.

The following is some background on Franklin from Vanderbilt's bio:

In 2011, he inherited a team that had finished 2-10 in two consecutive seasons and directed them to an appearance in the Liberty Bowl. In 2012, Franklin led the Commodores to nine wins - their most since 1915 -- which included a victory in the Music City Bowl.

This year, Vanderbilt defeated Florida, Georgia and Tennessee in the same season for the first time ever and again won eight games in the regular season for the second straight year -- a first since the 1920s. A win in the bowl game will give Vanderbilt two straight years of nine wins for the first time in school history.

His on-the-field accomplishments have been accompanied by three straight years of signing the highest-rated recruiting class in school history and the continuous mentoring of student-athletes who have earned numerous individual and collective academic honors. Players and fans alike have gravitated toward Franklin through his energy and love for the program. He has developed a fun, energetic and close-knit family atmosphere that current, former and future players desire.

A staple in the community, Franklin has spent countless hours speaking to local groups and visiting with students on campus. If he isn't spreading his message in person, he is doing so through his many radio and television interviews or on Twitter, where his ever-active account, @JamesFranklinVU, has nearly 30,000 followers.

Vanderbilt's bio included the following quotes about Franklin:

"James Franklin worked for me at the Green Bay Packers. I noticed early on that he always saw the big picture. He didn't just coach his players on the field, but saw the need for them to be accountable off the field as well. He took an interest in every aspect of their lives and coached not just the player, but the person." -- Mike Sherman, former Head Coach for Green Bay Packers and Texas A&M

"Coach Franklin and I worked together at Kansas State back in 2006. He is a first class coach, and a perfect fit for a university like Vanderbilt. He's a tremendous motivator of men, and inspires character in each of his players. He works really hard to be the best that he can be as a coach, and has the toughness to build up a program in the SEC. He will no doubt be a great representative of Vanderbilt University." - Raheem Morris, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"I've had the chance to work closely with Coach Franklin and I can't say enough good things about his approach, his work ethic, his passion for the game and his ability to teach the game. He's a tireless recruiter and one of those coaches who can get the most out of his players and is excellent at making and maintaining relationships. He would be a great fit with Vanderbilt and an asset to the campus and football program both." - Darrell Bevell, Offensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks.

"Coach Franklin has a lot of energy, a lot of passion for the game, and obviously knew what he was doing. He cared about his players and was a great family guy. He was intense, but yet had fun and like I said, he had his passion for the game, his love for the game and a love for his players, and he cares about his players like family. I think he'll do a great job and I think Vanderbilt will be pleased with the guy they got." - Jordy Nelson, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers, 2009 graduate of Kansas State University.

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